2011 Domaine Francois Raveneau, Chablis “Butteaux” Premier Cru, White Burgundy, France.
Bernard Raveneau’s wines are simply spectacular and I would say life changing experiences, if you like Chablis, you’d go nuts for Raveneau, these rare and wonderful Chardonnays are extremely difficult to get your hands on, but I recommend doing your best to grab a bottle or two, the 2011 vintage should be hitting the shelves soon. While, certainly not cheap, these are fantastic and unique expressions of terroir and gifted winemaking, these are bucket list wines, no question, especially Raveneau’s Grand Cru offerings, but I love the Premier Cru wines as well, and I was lucky enough to have been able to sample the new 2011 Butteaux Premier Cru recently and found it glorious and surprisingly decedent for a young Raveneau, which usually are a bit tight in their youth. The 2011 Raveneau Butteaux is very high toned and tension filled, but opens to round layers with air, it starts with lime blossoms, chalky wet stones, sea salt and hints of clove spice before revealing lemon and green tangy apple fruit with a chilling sense of steeliness, mineral streak along with more lime and hazelnuts. This classic austere Chablis races with brisk acidity and dances on the palate, exciting, vigorous and vivid throughout, there is fantastic balance and sublime flavors that are pure and vibrant, and while 2010 vintage Raveneau’s will need years and years in the cellar, the 2011 will be ready much earlier to enjoy, best in their first 5 to 10 years of life.
($120+ Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
